As you and your family ease back into the school year, we are taking time to reflect on the significant changes that are happening within our educational system and how technology is evolving teaching, youth behaviors, communications and just about everything in our world.

And yet, despite this progress, Inspirica believes that great study habits, preparation and planning, and responsible knowledgeable parenting are "constants" that will define your children's academic success and future career path. Let's work together to define and achieve this success -- now and throughout the 2011/2012 school season and for years to come -- and we will keep you abreast of educational trends that will help your children thrive in a changing world.

Could the race to the top begin at age four? According to this Washington Post Article it can, as the Obama Administration pushes standardized assessments for preschoolers. Critics say this is mad! What do you think?

Is handwriting obsolete?

School systems nationally no longer require teaching cursive, according to this article. Instead, students are expected tobecome proficient keyboarders.

Google + is Google's fully-integrated online community and may be poised to overtake Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media and communication platforms. Educators are discovering great ways it will affect education and transform the way teachers and students engage.

Graditude

Degrees of Progress

The economy and social trends are having a significant impact on graduate education.

Aspiring doctors must now pay extra attention to their bedside manner. According to this New York Times article, many medical schools now require candidates go through a series of interviews that assess people skills.

The Extra Point

To Learn or Not to Learn...

That is the question!

San Diego Student Shakespeare Festival

Watch this video to see how educators are teaching Shakespeare in quirky ways!

In-the-Know

Some Skills are Timeless

As kids start high school and college, financial literacy becomes even more important. Money Magazine offers guidance here on when (and what) to teach your children about practical economics.

Upcoming Dates

Calendar Reminder SSAT: 10/15 (US/Canada sites only),

11/12, 12/10

PSAT/NMSQT: 10/12, 10/15

SAT/Subject Tests: 10/1, 11/5, 12/3

ACT: 9/10, 10/22, 12/10

LSAT: 10/1, 10/4, 12/3, 12/5

Breathe Easy

Your 2011/2012 Agenda

9th Graders:This fall is clearly a big transition time. Students need to work on getting organized and focused to meet the challenges of high school. Developing relationships with teachers and advocating for themselves are also critical skills.

10th Graders:

The focus needs to be on grades andpursuing passions like sports and other extracurricular activities.

11th Graders:

Now is the time to choose between the SAT and ACT and create a long-term calendar for upcoming standardized tests. Visiting colleges should become an important weekend and vacation activity.

12th Graders: It's all about finalizing college applications, taking remaining standardized tests, scheduling final college visits and interviews, and keeping those grades up!

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Parents of students 9th through 12th grade can schedule a meeting with their Educational Consultant to create a complimentary Educational Audit. This is a custom-designed testing timeline for each student.

Remember that Inspirica tutoring is available in the suburbs, the city, and places in-between -- even around the world.

"Inspirica Anywhere" offers a new level of convenience in online tutoring. Consider it for a leg up on standardized tests as well as a wide range of academic subjects.

Head of the Class

What's New at Inspirica?

Keeping on top of education and testing trends has gotten even easier. LIKE us on Facebook to get regular updates on fast- breaking news and educational developments.

Pop Quiz A Fun, Fast Fact

Which is the first museum in the U.S accredited to offer a doctorate in its own name?A. The SmithsonianB. The American Museum of Natural HistoryC. The Metropolitan Museum of ArtD. The National Air and Space Museum

The correct answer is B. Learn more about the museum that is venturing into academia.

Complimentary Roundtables

Choosing the Right TestAre you confused by which test is right for your child? Is your child test-phobic? Hearing too many myths and horror stories from friends and neighbors?

Gain insights, as well as expert and up-to-date answers about the SAT and ACT. You will also have an opportunity to speak with us, one-on-one, about your specific concerns and needs.New York City

September 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th, 11am-12pmPhiladelphiaSeptember 27th or 28th, 12pm-1pmSpace is limited. To reserve a complimentary session, RSVP to tutor@inspirica.com.

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iPhone App Turns a New Page in Textbook Shopping

Students shopping for textbooks have three options: buy new, used or digital. To help them save money, Amazon released a free iPhone app for comparison shopping called Amazon Student. Students use the device's camera to shoot the book's bar code and get price options. One reviewer called it "easy peasy and really useful!"